ALBAWABA- In a decisive move, U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday re-designated Yemen's Houthi movement, formally known as Ansar Allah, as a "foreign terrorist organization" (FTO), according to a White House statement.
The designation imposes severe economic penalties, surpassing those previously implemented under the Biden administration.
It targets the Iran-aligned group for its escalating attacks on maritime shipping in the Red Sea and U.S. naval assets guarding critical international waterways.
"The Houthis' actions endanger American civilians, regional allies, and global maritime stability," the White House said, citing over 100 Red Sea attacks by the group since November 2023.
These operations have disrupted global trade, forcing vessels to reroute via longer, costlier paths around Africa.
The Houthi attacks—framed by the group as solidarity with Palestinians amid Israel’s conflict with Hamas—have included sinking two ships, seizing another, and killing at least four seafarers.
While the move received praise from Yemen’s internationally recognized Presidential Council as a step toward holding the Houthis accountable, critics, including Oxfam, warn of severe humanitarian repercussions.
"This designation risks exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Yemen by hindering food, medicine, and fuel imports," said Scott Paul of Oxfam America.
The Trump administration defended the decision as necessary to weaken the Houthis’ capabilities, promising cooperation with regional allies to ensure maritime safety and security.
It also pledged a review of partnerships with organizations operating in Yemen that may have engaged with the group.
The Houthis dismissed the designation as "absurd," claiming it merits no response. Their statement follows the release of the Galaxy Leadership crew earlier this week, an event facilitated by Oman as part of ongoing de-escalation efforts.
